Vis Valley plan moves ahead

The old, shuttered Schlage lock factory would become a new neighborhood with homes, shops and parks as part of the Visitacion Valley redevelopment plan that a supervisors’ committee recommended this week.

The new development, which would spring up on the dormant Schlage grounds as well as surrounding streets, is expected to add an estimated 5,500 residents to a 46-acre area that currently only has 390 residents.

The plan, which is expected to be voted on by all supervisors by April 14, also would make new projects in the area eligible for public financing. The tax-exempt bonds would be paid for by taxes created by the new development.

The factory site is designated as a brownfield, meaning its soil and groundwater are polluted with industrial contaminants. The cleanup is scheduled to take 18 to 30 months.

Redevelopment Agency officials hope the changes will create a commuter village where people take advantage of Muni and Caltrain service and that the area’s new commercial activity and improvements draw visitors in.